Chapter 169

The other men acted like it was no big deal, catching dinner had been easy for them. However, they were obviously pleased when Evan pulled out several stones to give them. I smiled because their time in the mountain had made them quite rich.

I couldn't quite tell what Kein was doing at the table, but he seemed very focused on the task. From where I sat he seemed to be etching something very delicate. Kein finished whatever he was doing with a triumphant sound and handed a small brown strip to Damien.

"Perfect," Bane commented, "as always, little Brother."

Damien approached me and I could see what it was now. A long strip of one inch leather carved with their symbol five times. It looked like the tight fitting choker necklaces I'd seen at the flea market back home.

The men surrounded me for a moment before Damien spoke.

"You have been cleaned and fed, slave. Despite your attitude, you have been treated well by us. We are putting our symbol on you and